Aroostook County

Aroostook County Demographics

Aroostook County, Maine, is inhabited by approximately 67,653 people. The median age is 47 years, with 19.2% of the population under 18, and 23.3% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution is nearly even with 49.9% male and 50.1% female. The overwhelming majority are White (96.9%), the rest of the population is composed of American Indian (0.9%), Hispanic (1.1%), Black (1.0%), Asian (0.7%), with the smallest fraction belonging to two or more racial backgrounds (1.5%).

Aroostook County Crime & Safety

Aroostook County in Maine has a crime rate of approximately 1,532 per 100,000 residents. Around 75 out of these are said to be violent crimes whereas the remaining major portion comprises of property crimes. The local law enforcement agencies are proactive and accessible, providing timely updates and crime reports. Community initiatives and stringent law enforcement have significantly contributed to a gradual decline in crime rates, making Aroostook County one of the safer regions in Maine.

Aroostook County Housing & Property

Aroostook County, in Maine, has a homeownership rate of 74.8%. The median home value there is approximately $94,100, while the median rent stands at around $654. Last year, the property values grew by about 3.8%. The housing market is largely dominated by single-family homes, which make up 75% of all properties. Apartments constitute 18%, while the county contains a small percentage of townhomes. Property taxes in Aroostook County generally average 1.13% annually.

Employment in Aroostook County

Aroostook County in Maine supports a largely rural employment sector with the majority of its workforce in healthcare (20%), retail trade (12%), and education (11%). The county reports a relatively high employment rate standing at 94.2%. A significant proportion (around 30%) of individuals commute outside the county for work. Despite the economic challenges of the region, job growth is steady at 3.8%, and the majority of workers enjoy commuting times of less than 30 minutes, while approximately 25% commute more than 45 minutes daily.

Education in Aroostook County

Aroostook County, ME, home to many public and private schools, is dedicated to delivering quality education. Graduation rates are commendable, with the majority enrolling in further education or directly entering the workforce. Multiple public colleges offer both academic and vocational programs. Adult literacy programs are also provided. Various extracurricular activities, resources for special education, and STEM programs enhance the overall learning environment. While data on bachelor degrees and exact numbers for school safety programs aren't readily available, the county remains committed to continuous educational progress and safety.

Aroostook County Elections

Aroostook County in Maine, known as "The County," is the state's northernmost region with a history of robust election engagement. Home to nearly 70K residents, Aroostook features a mixed political landscape with local, state, and federal elections. The Secretary of State oversees the process, maintaining fair and transparent elections. It sees a varied turnout of Democratic, Republican, and independent voters. In the 2020 election, a considerable turnout was recorded, emphasizing the county's active political participation.

Average Income Rate in Aroostook County

Aroostook County in Maine has a median household income of around $40,000, which is significantly lower than the national median. Poverty rate stands close to 15.4%. Gender pay gap is notable here as women earn only 76% of what men do. The median income for White households is nearly $40,000. The county's median household income is lower than the state median of $57,000. Healthcare professionals, followed by education workers, are the highest earners in the county.

Aroostook County Healthcare

Aroostook County in Maine has several healthcare facilities, including two major hospitals. The insurance coverage is extensive with around 85% of the population insured, predominantly through employer plans. Life expectancy in the area is 78 years. Despite a high diabetes prevalence of 13%, regular health screenings are common with about 68% participation. The county is served by over 1,500 healthcare professionals. Average annual healthcare costs hover around $800 per person.

Aroostook County Transportation

Aroostook County, Maine has a well-connected road system including U.S. Route 1 and has around 83% car ownership. The area provides more than six bus routes through Cyr Bus Line. It also houses the Northern Maine Regional Airport for air travel. The county has ample bike lanes for bikers, and carpooling is gaining popularity among residents. The average commute time is around 23 minutes. The number of annual traffic accidents is relatively low due to the low population density. The county invests significantly in its transportation infrastructure.

Aroostook County Environmental Data & Climate Data

Aroostook County, ME, experiences an average temperature of 41°F and sees around 38 inches of rainfall annually. It prides itself on an AQI of 35, indicating 'good' air quality. Clean water access is available to nearly all residents, while the emphasis on recycling leads to a 30% recycling rate in the county. The region has substantial potential for solar power, with interest growing in its implementation. The risk of natural calamities is relatively low, and the county also focuses on the promotion of eco-friendly buildings and renewable energy resources.